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Visiting top legislator Li Peng said yesterday that he is happy that Sino-Thailand relations have entered a stable period, noting that frequent high-level visits and contacts between the two states' leaders have been the great impetus for the development of bilateral ties.
While meeting Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Li stressed that economic cooperation between the two countries has been an important part of bilateral relations.
China is happy to see that despite the obvious slowdown of the regional economy, China and Thailand have maintained momentum on trade, Li said.
According to statistics, last year's trade volume between the two countries reached US$7.05 billion, an increase of 6.4 percent over the previous year. China has become Thailand's fourth biggest trade partner.
Li also expressed China's appreciation for Thailand's adherence to the one-China policy.
Echoing Li's remarks on bilateral ties, Thaksin stressed that Thailand will never change its stance on the one-China policy.
He thanked China for its support of the "Asia Cooperation Dialogue" proposed by Thailand. He added that China's responsible attitude plays a vital role in Asia.
Both leaders exchanged views on hot regional and international issues, saying that the world needs peace and that war can only complicate the poverty question.
Boonsong Srifuenggrung, a famous Thai entrepreneur of Chinese origin, said at a luncheon that to honor Li that overseas Chinese hope China realizes national reunification as soon as possible. Li also announced yesterday that China will lend a pair of giant pandas to Thailand in order to celebrate the 75th birthday of King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej and the 70th birthday of Queen of Thailand Sirikit.
(China Daily September 6, 2002)
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